Downton Abbey Honored In Celebration of Britweek in Santa Monica

Richard Halpern and his Band play wonderful tunes from the 20s and 30s. Photo: Beverly Cohn

With the toe-tapping 1920s music of Richard Halpern & His Band filling the air of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel’s luscious outdoor setting, smiling guests arrived attired in their finest vintage costumes – women in wonderful flapper dresses wearing hats or bejeweled head bands and men in their afternoon tuxedoes.

This fund-raising soiree honored the cast of the very successful television series Downton Abbey with the evening’s proceeds earmarked for Big Brothers BigSisters which pairs adult volunteers with children ranging from ages six to eighteen.

Models wear gowns designed by British designers. Photo: Beverly Cohn

Jeannie Kasen with her daughter Liberty were happy to attend this event in support of Britweek and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Photo: Beverly Cohn

L-R: Lise Hart, Robert Rickun an Elyse Ashton love dressing up in their vintage costumes and supporting a worthwhile charity. Photo: Beverly Cohn

This glittering event was part of “Santa Monica’s Spring Jubilee,” its theme celebrating Brit Week. The festivities were spread out over three days, offering everything British, from fashion, to gardening tips, to cooking, to genealogy, with dance and musical performances on the Third Street Promenade and in the plaza at Santa Monica Place.

Perhaps the biggest treat was the performance of the “The Beatles’ Abbey RoadComplete—And More” performed by legendary musicians from the 60s, including host Peter Asher who played a â€¨ selection of Peter & Gordon hits, Denny Laine, co-founder of the “Moody Blues” and “Wings,” and Terry Sylvester of the “Hollies.”

Let’s give that beautiful city by the sea a big “Hip, Hip, Hoorah” for co-hosting this most fun celebration of British culture. And now, get thee to Ye Olde King’s Head for some fish and chips.